April 14, 2020 — Issue Brief

As a result of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, the federal government will issue stimulus payments to millions of income-qualified Americans. The purpose of the checks is to help people pay for food, utilities, rent, medicine, and other basic necessities at a time when many have been told to stay home and have lost or will lose income. Garnishment of these funds by creditors represents a threat to families’ livelihood and public health, with an estimated 47 million Americans projected to lose their jobs.